advocacy

noun

ad·​vo·​ca·​cy ˈad-və-kə-sē 

: the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal : the act or process of advocating (see advocate entry 2) something

known for his advocacy of gay rights

Examples of advocacy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Johnson’s impact spans politics, media, and advocacy. —Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2025

Other Chadwick Leonard has joined 1000 Friends of Florida as conservation and planning advocacy coordinator. —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025

Sophia Bush, widely celebrated for her activism and advocacy, is using her platform to shed light on an issue every woman faces but few openly discuss: the challenges of perimenopause. —Chloe Castleberry, Flow Space, 27 Mar. 2025

Robert Prinz is the advocacy director at Bike East Bay, with more than 15 years of experience in local, regional and statewide transportation issues. —Robert Prinz, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English advocacie "intercession," borrowed from Anglo-French advocassie "pleading," borrowed from Medieval Latin advocatia "patronage," from Latin advocātus advocate entry 1 + -ia -y entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing advocacy

• advocacy journalism

Kids Definition

advocacy

noun

ad·​vo·​ca·​cy ˈad-və-kə-sē 

: the act or process of advocating : support

Legal Definition

advocacy

noun

ad·​vo·​ca·​cy ˈad-və-kə-sē 

1

: the profession or work of an advocate

2

: the action of advocating, pleading for, or supporting a cause or proposal

a consequence of his moving advocacy

—W. O. Douglas